Everest climbing season ends: Numerous records broken, eight people died

(Patria) - The Everest climbing season, marked by several records but also eight deaths, ended yesterday in Nepal, announced the Ministry of Tourism and expedition organizing companies.

More than 600 climbers and guides managed to ascend Everest this season, which runs through April and May, announced Rakesh Gurung from the Nepalese Ministry of Tourism.

"The teams have packed up their equipment and the ascent is currently closed. The season is over," Gurung told AFP.

The number of eight deaths is lower than in 2023, when there were 18. Among this year's victims are two climbers from Mongolia, and one each from Kenya, Nepal, and India.

One Briton and two Nepalese guides are missing and presumed dead.

Nepalese mountaineer Phunjo Lama set a women's speed climbing record of 14 hours and 31 minutes.

Another record was set by Nepalese climber and guide Kami Rita Sherpa (54), who reached the summit for the thirtieth time. He first climbed in 1994, exactly 30 years ago.

"So many climbers make a name and reputation by climbing our mountains. It's good that we Nepalese are setting records in our own homeland," said Purnima Shrestha, also a holder of a women's record after reaching the summit three times in one season.

Briton Kenton Cool reached the summit for the 18th time, breaking the record for the total number of ascents by a non-Nepalese climber. Pole Piotr Jerzy Krzyzowski was the first to climb both Lhotse and Everest without oxygen.

"There were many successes for everyone and it was a good season. The dry winter increased the risk by creating wider crevasses in the glaciers and increasing the risk of rockfalls," says mountain guide Tsering Pemba Sherpa, who reached the summit of Everest for the 11th time.

Climbers shared pictures showing a large number of people waiting in line in the final phase of the ascent, in the "death zone" where the lack of oxygen increases the risk of altitude sickness.